Lizzy Kolar, co-founder and CEO of Scope Zero, a US-based environmental and financial sustainability company, explains that "phantom load," or "vampire power," refers to the electricity consumed by devices even when they are turned off and only in standby mode. This invisible energy drain can account for up to 10% of a home's total energy consumption.
"Phantom loads occur in most devices with indicator lights, remote controls, or digital clocks. Even when you're not using them, they're still drawing power," Kolar said.
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Unplugging devices when not in use can lead to significant savings on your energy bill. Photo: Tomsguide |
Unplugging devices when not in use can lead to significant savings on your energy bill. Photo: Tomsguide
Not only is this wasteful, but according to Bidisha Nagaraj, Global Vice President of Schneider Electric (a French multinational corporation specializing in energy management and industrial automation), standby power also shortens the lifespan of electronic devices.
"Unplugging helps you save money and extends the life of your electronics," she said.
Brandon Young, CEO of Payless Power (Texas, USA), points out that any device with a remote control, standby light, or digital clock continuously consumes electricity. The biggest culprits include TVs, game consoles, printers, computers, microwaves, and coffee makers.
"Chargers for phones, tablets, and laptops also consume power even when not actively charging a device. If you don't use them daily, unplugging them is a smart choice," Young emphasized.
Experts note that a coffee maker in standby mode can use more electricity than an internet modem. Cable boxes are similar, essentially acting as small computers running constantly.
Many assume that leaving a computer or TV in sleep mode doesn't use much power. However, Young clarifies, "Sleep mode uses less energy than being fully on, but it still consumes electricity. If you're not using a device for a few hours, turning it off completely or unplugging it is more efficient."
Some devices in standby mode can consume between 0.1 and 10 watts, while a DVR (digital video recorder) can use 20-30 watts continuously, equivalent to a light bulb running all day.
Collectively, these phantom loads can add up to 10-15% of a monthly electricity bill. By unplugging devices that contribute to phantom load, the average US household can save up to 200 USD per year.
In addition to unplugging, experts recommend buying appliances with the Energy Star label. They also suggest using smart light bulbs and power strips, and switching to a smart thermostat to control energy consumption.
These small adjustments, coupled with eliminating phantom loads, can help you save a significant amount on your monthly energy bill.
Bao Nhien (Tomsguide)
